Former Home Office minister Jess Phillips has stated that the Labour government's early release scheme is failing women and girls, and that the party is not committed enough to reducing violence against females. Phillips, who resigned as safeguarding minister under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to prioritize women's safety by preventing the early release of thousands of domestic abusers.
Speaking on Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Phillips asserted that a comprehensive Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy could reduce such violence by approximately 25 percent. She also criticized government departments for focusing on other priorities at the expense of women's security, stating, "I have one job, and it is to stop women having to be flexible about their safety."
Labour's manifesto at the last general election included a commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. Phillips previously resigned from Starmer's government in May, citing a lack of "gusto" in addressing the issue.
Phillips specifically called on Prime Minister Burnham to consider exempting individuals convicted of coercive and controlling behavior from early release. This call comes as reports indicate that thousands of domestic abusers are slated for early release due to prison overcrowding, a decision greenlit by Burnham. Figures suggest that over 9,000 individuals convicted of domestic abuse could be freed before completing their sentences.
Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns echoed Phillips' concerns, stating that Labour's early release scheme poses a danger to women and girls. Kearns claimed that Labour has already released over 70,000 individuals early, arguing that each release compromises women's safety. She advocated for the Conservatives' approach, which would involve keeping dangerous offenders incarcerated and returning sentencing guidance to the Lord Chancellor, emphasizing that protecting women and girls should supersede managing prison populations.
